ALL IN ALWAYS.
POWER IN UNITY.
2026 NY Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation
Pre & Annual Conference
April 14-17, 2026, The Sagamore Resort, Bolton Landing, NY 12814
Day 1 - April 15 Schedule
8:00am-10:00pm
Timeframe includes evening activities.
Registration & Trade Show Opens: 8:00am
in the Conference Center
Welcome & Opening Keynote Speaker: 9:00 - 10:30am
Built for This: Turning Everyday Moments into Extraordinary Impact
Nolan Nichols
Fortune 500 Keynote Speaker, Master Storyteller, and Founder of A Million Dreams, Learn More
Today's world is moving faster by the day. The funding battles are real. The burnout is real. But the impact is also real. And the people in the room are built for such a time as this.
In this high-energy and deeply personal opening keynote, Nolan Nichols reminds leaders & frontline professionals alike that the moments you create every single day are not small… they are the whole point. It’s how we can go from surviving to thriving.
Through powerful storytelling and his proven "Moments that Matter" framework, Nolan helps audiences reconnect with their "why," reframe innovation as a force for empowerment, and rediscover the extraordinary impact hiding inside the ordinary work. (Conference Center Ballroom)
Attendees will:
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Reconnect with the personal mission and the “why" that brought them to this work, and find new energy to sustain it
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Discover how emerging technology is expanding independence and dignity for people with disabilities, and why that's a reason to be hopeful
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Learn practical mindset shifts for leading through uncertainty
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Experience the power of storytelling as a tool for connection to themselves & others
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Leave feeling seen, celebrated, and genuinely excited about the future of disability services
Session I: 11:00am - 12:00pm
1. OPWDD Commissioner’s Panel
(Bellevue) Commissioner Baer and OPWDD Leadership will join the Alliance Conference to provide an update on OPWDD's strategic priorities including an update on work accomplished in the last year and a preview of work to come in the following year. The session will include updates from the Commissioner and OPWDD Leadership on issues ranging from the creation of the Office of Advocacy, progress on the short-term housing strategy, the success of Comprehensive Adult Transitional Homes, to the Systems Change Initiative with Georgetown University, among others. The update may also include information on the State Fiscal Year 2027 Enacted Budget if the budget is finalized by the date of the conference. Attendees will be able to ask questions of the Commissioner and OPWDD Leadership on strategic priorities as well as specific issues facing attendees. Commissioner Willow Baer, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Rachel Baker, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Hirah Mir, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Jennifer O'Sullivan, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Adrienne Mazeau, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Jim Kaufman, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Abiba Kindo, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Jill Pettinger, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Salvatore Cerniglia, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Megan O'Connor, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities BJ Stasio, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Tamika Black, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Lisa Di Salvo Salamy, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities John Barbuto, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities
2. Supporting Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, Trauma and Addiction. Through empathy, understanding and effective support.
(Nirvana) People with Development Disabilities are at risk from developing addiction and are often left without proper support or treatment options. This presentation will explore how to support a person with addiction through empathy, compassion and individualized support. We will discuss the risks of trauma and addiction and how to support someone who is experiencing trauma and addiction. Sarah Dallas, Vanderheyden, sdallas@vanderheyden.org Samantha Giordano, Vanderheyden, sgiordano@vanderheyden.org Maura Psoinos, Vanderheyden, mspoinos@vanderheyden.org
3. The Paul and Hava Story: A Pathway to Marriage - A Panel on Supported Relationships
(Wapanak) This session will feature a screening of "The Paul and Hava Story: A Pathway to Marriage" which highlights the perspectives of Hava, Paul and their parents along the pathway to fulfill the couple's dream to be married. Their story highlights the importance of advocacy, informed choice, and organizational supports that help adults with developmental disabilities pursue meaningful relationships, including marriage. Following the screening, attendees will join a facilitated panel discussion to explore how agencies can strengthen their own approaches to supporting relationships and personal choice. Drew Webster, NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities, drew.webster@cdd.ny.gov Paul and Hava Forziano, Residents of IRA supported by East End Disability Associates, Inc. Ronnie Myers, Residential Manager, East End Disability Associates Shameka Andrews, Caucus Chair, NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities Katherine McLaughlin, Founder, CEO, Lead Trainer, Elevatus Training
4. Technology Supporting Supervision: Embracing Technology and Putting the Paper to "Bed"
(Triuna) This presentation will provide an overview of our adoption of a technological solution to the documentation of overnight checks. We will share our adoption of The Guard1 system and its use as a proactive tool to support staff and managers in ensuring supervision and documentation are maintained across multiple locations. We will share our process for change management and rollout across campus and community-based settings. We will share lessons learned and what we have felt are the added benefits technology has brought to all levels of staff in ensuring appropriate supervision is in place. Krista Scibelli-Wingard, Devereux - New York, kscibell@devereux.org Cesar Vasquez, Devereux - New York, cvasquez@devereux.org
5. Managing Anger: A Cognitive Behavioral Pilot in a Day-Hab Setting
(Evelley) This workshop will explore the use of a standardized curriculum of anger management that can be utilized in a day hab setting for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, provides insight into how anger can look differently depending on developmental, cultural, parental upbringing, and stigma, dismantle current myths about anger and how to find a personalized way of addressing it based on communication needs, and give staff persons of various backgrounds and education levels a practical guide to assist the individuals they serve in addressing anger and frustration. Stephen Quesada MA. ABS, Independent Group Home Living (IGHL), squesada@ighl.org
6. Safe Hospital Discharges: A "Best in Class" Process
(Dollar East-Hotel) Have you faced challenges with individuals being re-hospitalized soon after discharge? Do you have a clear, consistent process to ensure safe transitions from hospital to home? Studies show that nearly 20% of patients experience an adverse event within weeks of discharge, often due to gaps in communication or follow-up care. This workshop will guide participants through an evidence-based, step-by-step protocol designed to reduce negative outcomes and promote safer discharges. Participants will learn how to implement a "warm handoff" process. Gilbert Louis, Ed.D., Innovative Resources for Independence, Inc, Gilbert.Louis@iriny.org
7. "Skill It to Win It"
(Dollar West-Hotel) An in-depth look and approach at fostering the independence of people supported in a weekly clubhouse setting. The presentation will look at the various life skills training materials, as well as measurable ways to track progress and / or decline. It will also feature real life footage of the training course and reception. Skill it to win it is a comprehensive in-depth look at how once armed with the correct tools and essential life skills, persons supported can lead a healthier, more independent, person-centered life. Sharonda Johnson, Services for the Underserved, sjohnson@sus.org
8. Conflict Intelligence - Turning Tensions into Opportunities
(Diamond Island-Hotel) Imagine a workplace where disagreements spark creativity instead of division, where leaders model calm confidence in the face of challenge, and where every conflict becomes a steppingstone toward stronger collaboration. You will learn skills and strategies to navigate disagreements with clarity and purpose. That is the promise of Leading with Conflict Intelligence -Turning Tensions into Opportunities. Lori LaRocco, The People's Arc of Suffolk, llarocco@suffahrc.org
9. "CLIMB": The Learn and Earn Career Ladder - Retention by Design, Learning Pathways that Work.
(Empire-Hotel) Discover how intentional learning pathways, meaningful recognition, and purpose-driven growth can strengthen your workforce. This session introduces the Learn & Earn Career Ladder - a streamlined blend of our diverse capacity-building initiatives, which include the Academy of Leadership, Education Partnerships Support, an enhanced orientation, a structured mentoring program, competency-based training, and many more. Discover a model that cultivates talent, enhances service quality, and fosters growth and confidence in leaders at every level of the organization. Rhoda Nassolo, Anderson Center for Autism, rnassolo@Andersoncares.org Ian Brink, Anderson Center For Autism, IBrink@Andersoncares.org
11:30am - 1:00pm: Lunch Available
in La Bella Vita at the Hotel
Please Note: If you have a reservation at The Sagamore, this meal is included with your reservation. If you are not staying at the hotel and would like to participate in this meal, you must purchase a meal ticket from the conference registration table.
Session II: 1:15 - 2:30pm
10. CAS Presentation
(Bellevue) This panel discussion will include updates from OPWDD on the CAS as it relates to communication with various stakeholder groups, providers, and CCOs and sharing various data points available through CHOICES; followed by a presentation on best practices being used by providers and a Care Coordination Organization on scheduling timely CAS assessments, ensuring accurate data and records are provided to the assessor prior to the assessment being conducted. Mike Lawler, NY Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation – Moderator Stephanie Ostroski, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Alberto Pruett, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Alicia Fellows, Person Centered Services Doug DiGesare, Arc of Erie County Natalie Loranty, Arc of Erie County Brandon Condon, Living Resources
11. OPWDD HCBS Home Enabling Supports
(Nirvana) This presentation will be an opportunity to share information on the recent launch of Home Enabling Supports. This is a new service for people enrolled in the OPWDD HCBS Waiver as a sub-component to the Assistive Technology benefit. Home Enabling Supports help address a person's needs in a way that promotes, maintains, or improves a person's abilities, improves interactions, supports meaningful relationships, and supports their ability to live independently and meaningfully participate in their community. Allison McCarthy, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, allison.j.mccarthy@opwdd.ny.gov
12. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: BeKind
(Wapanak) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: "Be Kind" is a presentation focused on fostering a positive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. It encourages open and honest dialogue that is constructive-not harmful-so we can better understand and appreciate the qualities that make each of us unique. Shameka Andrews, Community Outreach Coordinator, Self-Advocacy Association of NYS John Fritz, DEI Liaison, Self-Advocacy Association of NYS Wayne Robinson, DEI Liaison, Self-Advocacy Association of NYS Cynthia Gilchrist, SANYS Regional Coordinator, Self-Advocacy Association of NYS Dee Richardson, SANYS Regional Organizer, Self-Advocacy Association of NYS
13. Greater Access to Integrated Supports and Care: Leveraging Provider-CCO Collaboration to Improve Outcomes for People
(Triuna) This program describes the collaborative process between Access and Care Design executive, clinical, and program leaders to identify social, medical, and behavioral health needs. The goal is to implement early interventions that help people remain in the most independent living and employment situations possible. Ron Colavito, Access: Supports for Living, rcolavito@asfl.org Kari Philips, Access: Supports for Living, kphillips@asfl.org Brittany Miske, Care Design NY, bmiske@caredesignny.org
14. DSP Workforce Certification and Credentialing Update
(Evelley) In 2022, NYS's Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) launched a multi-tiered approach to address the DSP workforce crisis utilizing ARPA funding. Through partnerships with the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) the State University of New York (SUNY) and the University of Minnesota's (UMN) Institute on Community Integration, OPWDD moved the needle in improving the DSP workforce through NADSP certifications, SUNY DSP micro credentials and a thorough evaluation by UMN. The panel will address how this was accomplished, lesson learned and potential for the future. Adrienne Mazeau, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, adrienne.v.mazeau@opwdd.ny.gov Kathy Brown, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Alison Pingelski, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, alison.m.pingelski@opwdd.ny.gov Cynthia Proctor, State University of New York System, cynthia.proctor@suny.edu
15. From Insight to Impact--Building a Strategic Mindset
(Dollar East-Hotel) For leaders, strategic thinking is an invaluable skill. Leaders who are strategic thinkers are better equipped to navigate uncertainty, adapt to changes, and drive the growth needed for their organizations to thrive. Thinking strategically allows you to make a greater contribution in your role, become more essential to your organization, and proves that you're ready for bigger roles and responsibilities. In this workshop we will discuss the components of strategic thinking, how to build your strategic thinking "muscle" and how to demonstrate your skill to others. Christine Reinhard, Chrysalis Coaching, creinhard.chrysaliscoaching@gmail.com
16. How to Promote a Person-Centered Culture
(Dollar West-Hotel) The culture of an organization is a major factor in how supports are provided to people with IDD. This presentation will review and describe the elements of a Person-Centered Culture that will support meaningful outcomes for people served by an organization and foster full community membership and equal citizenship. The presentation will include discussion, stories and learning exercises. Christopher Fortune, New Horizons Resources, cfortune@nhrny.org
17. Successful Strategies for Addressing Trends in OPWDD Settings
(Diamond Island-Hotel) This presentation, conducted jointly by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities and the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs, will include an overview of systemic trends and recommendations and tools to address concerns and enhance the quality of care provided to people receiving services. David Shaffer, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, david.w.shaffer@opwdd.ny.gov Christopher Darcey, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, christopher.k.darcey@opwdd.ny.gov Kimberly Affinati, NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs, kimberly.affinati@justicecenter.ny.gov Tracey Sosa, NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs, tracey.sosa@justicecenter.ny.gov
2:30 - 2:45pm: Break
Stop by and visit our conference exhibitors in the Conference Center to learn more about the products and services they provide!
Session III: 2:45 - 4:00pm
18. Panel on Technology and Independent Living
(Bellevue) In this panel, representatives from 4 agencies that have used technology to support independent living will try their best to share meaningful information based on their experiences. Moderated by Carol Napierski. John Breitenbach, Living Resources Gordon Mumbulo, Springbrook NY Hank Lobb, Springbrook NY April Difee, Southern Adirondack Independent Living Derek Herzog, Lifetime Assistance, Inc.
19. 2026 Rockefeller Report
(Nirvana) Michael Seereiter and others will present the latest Rockefeller Institute of Government findings on the economic impact of disability support organizations. Steve Towler, Senior Vice President for Employment & Day Services, AHRC NYC Leigh Wedenoja, Rockefeller Institute of Government Michael Seereiter, President & CEO, NY Alliance
20. Reimagining Outcomes Through Engagement: A Growth Mindset Approach for People with IDD and Their Support Staff
(Triuna) Traditional outcome measures for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often focus on static skills, functional benchmarks, or levels of independence. While useful in certain contexts, these measures do not fully capture the dynamic process of learning, participation, and personal growth that defines quality of life. This session proposes a transformative alternative: placing engagement—inspired by Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset framework—at the center of how we understand progress for people with IDD. Tanya Richmond, MSW, LCSW will extend the Growth Mindset lens to the people who provide support. Support staff often face high stress, emotional labor, and systemic pressures that can limit their capacity to empower those they serve. By adopting a Growth Mindset themselves, staff can shift from a “fix-it” or deficit-based model to one that emphasizes collaboration, experimentation, and learning. This mindset not only enhances their effectiveness in supporting others, it also functions as a powerful form of self-care, reducing burnout and strengthening resilience. The presenter will discuss practical strategies staff can use to reframe challenges, celebrate effort, embrace continuous learning, and model the very mindset they aim to cultivate in the individuals they support. Further, this mindset is applicable for staff no matter with whom they work. Tanya will share real-life examples for staff who work with older adults and for those who work with adults with IDD. This session will equip participants with actionable tools for integrating Growth Mindset principles into daily practice, organizational culture, and quality-of-life measurement. Tanya Richmond, MSW, LCSW, Support Development Associates, tanya@sdaus.com
21. The Justice Center Moving Forward: A Presentation and Conversation with Justice Center Leadership
(Diamond Island-Hotel) The session will include an overview of the NYS Justice Center's new strategic plan, an update on key initiatives to streamline processes, brief mention of future efforts that prioritize proactive approaches, and provide a chance to give feedback and discuss collaboration opportunities. Acting Executive Director Maria Lisi-Murray, NYS Justice Center Michael Wilmot, NYS Justice Center
22. Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Provider Mergers, Acquisitions and Affiliations
(Dollar East-Hotel) The presenters will discuss and share experiences related to the increasing frequency of various types of mergers, acquisitions, and affiliations in the I/DD sector, focusing on the pros and cons of such ventures, critical considerations, preparing for these endeavors, and measuring success. Erik Geizer, CEO, The Arc New York, erik.geizer@thearcny.org Terrence Philips, Senior Counsel, The Bonadio Group, tphillips@bonadio.com Michael R. Vollmer, Partner, The Bonadio Group, mvollmer@bonadio.com
23. Person-Centered Planning with Direct Impact on Valued Outcomes
(Dollar West-Hotel) This workshop will discuss promoting standards, collaboration, and robust systems of oversight in Person-Centered Planning and review tools for implementation and dissemination of best practices. Colleen Tapia, AHRC Nassau, ctapia@ahrc.org Michelle Rudoff, AHRC Nassau, mrudoff@citizens-inc.org Susan Gill-Orange, AHRC Nassau. sgill@ahrc.org
24. Connecting on DEI with The NYS Community of Practice and DEI Leaders across NYS - Meet & Greet Round Robin Workshop
(Wapanak) The NYS Community of Practice on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) proposes hosting a statewide Meet & Greet (Round Robin Style) Workshop designed to foster collaboration, share innovative projects, and strengthen DEI initiatives across networks. This interactive event will provide a "symposium" style experience where participants can showcase their work, exchange ideas, and build partnerships. Come experience: Project Showcase Stations, each participating organization will host a station to share their DEI project, tools, and outcomes. Bridget Cariello, AHRC Nassau, bcariello@ahrc.org Sarah Gonzalez Noveiri, PhD, AHRC Nassau, snoveiri@AHRC.org Elizabeth Adenekan, PhD, AHRC Nassau, eadenekan@AHRC.org Jacqueline Hayes, NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD), jacqueline.hayes@cdd.ny.gov Anna DeRosa, NYS Council on Developmental Disabilities (CDD), anna.derosa@cdd.ny.gov Cynthia Gilchrist, Self-Advocacy Association of NYS (SANYS), cgilchrist@sanys.org Hirah Mir, PhD, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Jacklyn Tomlin, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities
25. Giant Rhythm Orchestra: The Power of Unity in Action
(Event Center/Rec Center) Join this energizing, hands-on experience that transforms a room of individuals into one unified rhythm. Using body percussion--clapping, stomping, and snapping, participants discover how collaboration, communication, and diversity come together to create harmony. Led by Scott Kohn of Care Design NY, this session is a powerful reminder that unity isn't about sameness, but about blending our unique strengths to achieve something greater together! Scott Kohn, Care Design NY, skohn@caredesignny.org Colleen Retenski, Care Design NY, cretenski@caredesignny.org
26. Reimagining the DSP Evaluation Workgroup Discussion
(Evelley) The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the Regional Centers for Workforce Transformation (RCWT) invite you to participate in a workgroup discussion to update the Direct Support Professional (DSP) evaluation tool. Introduced nearly ten years ago, the DSP evaluation was designed to support the workforce and promote professional development. Over time, however, providers have struggled to use the tool in ways that are both effective and efficient, and it has too often become a burden rather than a support. We need an evaluation tool that accurately reflects the skilled work DSPs perform every day, encourages meaningful reflection, supports professional growth, and is user-friendly. Join us to share your ideas and help create an evaluation process that is meaningful, practical, and supportive for DSPs and providers alike. Representative, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Representative, Regional Centers for Workforce Transformation (RCWT)
4:00 - 5:30PM: NY Alliance Policy Forum & Annual Meeting
Michael Seereiter, Ann Hardiman and the NY Alliance Board of Directors are pleased to have this opportunity to share association updates at this annual forum with a focus on NY Alliance Policy Priorities and Strategic Plan. Board elections will also take place during this meeting. Light refreshments will be available. Join us in Dollar East/Dollar West in the Hotel for this event.
5:30 - 6:30pm: Pre-Banquet Gathering in Caldwell's
Sponsored by AIM Services: Supported Decision Making Division
Gatherings are a great opportunity for participants to catch up and connect. (Caldwell's Main Hotel)
7:00 - 9:00pm: Banquet and Annual Excellence Awards Presentation
Join us in Bellevue in the Conference Center to celebrate the unique and extraordinary contributions made by leaders, policy and change agencies in the field, public officials, self-advocates, and advocates in the community.
In addition to celebrating the 2026 NY Alliance Excellence Award recipients, we will recognize the six regional DSP of the Year award winners. (Bellevue-Conference Center)
10:00pm: Relaxing in Caldwell's
About The Sagamore's Caldwell's: A lively Lake George bar that offers a tempting menu of light fare that is served throughout the day and evening. With its grand front porch and panoramic views of Lake George, Caldwell’s invites you to slow down and experience the timeless beauty of the enchanting Adirondack setting. (Main Hotel)